A new chapter began for the Happy Valley Warriors on September 5, 2023, as they celebrated the opening of their new artificial turf field with a commanding victory against the Cloudland Highlanders. The Warriors showcased their offensive prowess, racking up an impressive 344 yards in the first half alone, ultimately leading to a final score of 55-20.
The game kicked off with immediate excitement as Warriors running back Lane Parker dashed for a 65-yard touchdown run, putting Happy Valley ahead 6-0. The Highlanders answered back later in the quarter when Bryce Birchfield executed a play-action pass to find Walker Gouge, who completed a 58-yard touchdown reception, leveling the score at 6-6.
Happy Valley quickly regained control of the game, methodically moving down the field. Keelin Releford capped off a solid drive with a 20-yard touchdown run, bouncing off several defenders to reach the end zone. The Warriors surged ahead as Parker intercepted a pass and then sprinted over 50 yards for another touchdown, extending the lead to 20-6.
The Warriors were relentless. Releford found the end zone twice more before Parker returned another interception, this time for 54 yards, increasing the score to 41-6 before halftime. By the break, Happy Valley led 55-6, aided by a 49-yard touchdown pass from Gabe McDougald to Releford.
Despite being short-handed without key players Grayson Cole and Landon Barnette, Cloudland showed resilience in the second half. Gavyn Shell scored on a 10-yard run, and Birchfield added a 2-yard touchdown keeper, narrowing the margin to 55-20. Shell led the Highlanders with 79 rushing yards.
Happy Valley’s offense finished the game with nearly 400 total yards, with Parker leading the charge, gaining 120 yards on just three carries, while Releford added 83 yards. The Warriors dominated on the ground, amassing 282 rushing yards.
Coach Jason Jarrett expressed pride in both his players and the new facility. “Now, with the installation of our artificial turf, I truly believe we carry the distinction of the best and most beautiful artificial turf in the area,” he said. “This facility is absolutely gorgeous, and we are beyond blessed by the Carter County School System for allowing all our stadiums to get these upgrades.”
As Happy Valley improves to a record of 2-0, they prepare to travel to Claiborne next week. Meanwhile, Cloudland will have a bye before facing Hancock County on September 12, 2023.
